Host a Summer Lawn Party

All of the Wimbledon buzz has inspired me to plan a Lawn Party.... British style!

Some of the traditions of Wimbledon have been in place for 100+ years! Wimbledon is played on grass, so even if you don't have access to a tennis court, if you have a patch of grass, you can host this great summer get-together complete with badminton, croquet, lawn darts, or make up your own lawn games.

The Invitation

Since a strict all-white dress code is in place for players at Wimbledon, it's always fun to stick to an all-white theme for the party. Ask guests to wear white attire and mention that lawn games will be involved so the ladies don't turn up in high heels. I always like to start this party late in the afternoon or early evening, after the temperatures have dropped slightly. A 6pm start time will give you several hours of daylight for games during the summer. White linen paper or card stock is just right for your party invite. A casual, handwritten note (very old school) is perfectly acceptable for this casual gathering.

THE PARTY MENU

A Wimbledon Tradition: Strawberries and Cream

Strawberries and Cream are a tradition at Wimbledon.There are a couple of traditions at Wimbledon that you are a must for your party menu. Strawberries and Cream are a Wimbledon staple so dessert is going to be easy! In England, cream is always single or double cream and it is difficult to find the English version in the US. If you want to make it easy on yourself, just get some really good vanilla ice cream, let it melt until it pours. Pour some cream in the bottom of each dish and fill the bowl with strawberries. Serve with a pitcher of the cream for those who want extra. Make sure to get extra fresh and really delicious berries.... Try Driscoll's Berries. Always fresh, always reliable!

Another option is to whip up some fresh cream and add some orange flavor to it. This is simple and delicious- the perfect compliment to the berries.

ORANGE WHIPPED CREAM

1 pint heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup Confectioners sugar

1/4 cup Grand Marnier (or orange flavored liqueur)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup orange juice

1/2 teaspoon very finely grated orange zest

Add the whipping cream to a large bowl and whip with electric mixer for a moment at high speed. Turn it off and add the sugar. Whip at low to incorporate the sugar, otherwise it will dust you with white powder! Once you have it incorporated, add the other ingredients and whip on high until stiff peaks form. Chill until serving time.

CHECK OUT 7 WAYS WITH STRAWBERRIES FROM MY FRIENDS AT MYRECIPES.COM FOR MORE GREAT STRAWBERRY RECIPES!

BEVERAGE OPTIONS

Another staple at Wimbledon or at any other British event is a Pimm's Cup. Pimm's is to Wimbledon what the Mint Julep is to the Kentucky Derby. I love a good Pimm's Cup! Pimm's is a gin based liquor and it's so refreshing on a summer day. 

PIMM'S CUP

1 ½ ounce Pimm's #1

4 ounces lemon-lime soda-- 7-Up or Sprite

1 ounce club soda

Wedge of lemon

Cucumber spears

Optional: shot of premium vodka

I like to mix these in a pitcher and serve over ice in a tall glass. They're really unique and refreshing but watch out! They really sneak up on you.

Another great British beverage is the Shandy. A Shandy is half lager (shown below) and half lemon-lime soda. Believe me, I was a skeptic but it's delicious and refreshing on a summer day!

BRITISH SHANDY

For 2

One pint cold lager beer

One can chilled lemon-lime soda

Chilled tall glasses

Slowly pour half of the beer into the chilled glasses. Top with soda. Serve.

BRITISH PUB FOOD

Serve traditional British pub food for this party; fish and chips are a pub staple and always a favorite. Sandwiches and crisps (what we call potato chips) or maybe Cornish pasties... delicate meat and potato pies are delicious. Make what is easy and will keep well for your outdoor party.

The ENTERTAINMENT

This party starts with the lawn games so if you don't have access to a tennis court, set up a badminton net instead. Since croquet is also played at Wimbledon, you can also set up a croquet course in the backyard or at the park. Other fun lawn games include horseshoes, bocce ball. or lawn bowling. The game I came to know in Chicago as "baggo" is also fun for a lawn party. I always find lots of great lawn games at Target during the summer. Set up your game course in whatever green space you have. If the party is in the late afternoon, I like to string little while lights all around my game course.

This is a great summer evening party theme... try it for a rehearsal dinner or engagement party, a girls night out or guys night out party, a neighborhood party, family get-together, or anyone's birthday party! You can make it kid friendly or invite the adults only, but no matter who attends, my Summer Lawn Party is perfect for any occasion!

POPSICLE-PALOOZA! Making Homemade Popsicles for Kids and Adults

I've had a lot of fun making homemade popsicles and ice pops this summer. From summertime favorites like homemade red, white, and blue Bomb Pops to crazy concoctions like Watermelon Cayenne Margarita, these sweet, frosty treats are fresh and delicious fun. You can go hi-tech, low tech, and no tech when it comes to popsicle making... and I've got ideas for all three.

A FEW POPSICLE MAKING TIPS BEFORE YOU START

Make sure you read the directions on your popsicle molds or maker. I made the mistake of NOT reading them and ruined my first batch because I could not get the sticks in!

Use chilled ingredients. That helps the pops set up faster.

Leave a little room at the top of the mold because the liquids will expand when they begin to freeze and spill over unless you allow some room.

Anything with a high fat content like heavy cream or Half and Half tastes great- but won't set up as hard as whole milk will so use it in moderation or you will have a difficult time getting the pops to release from the mold.

I've found that it is difficult to use yogurt in the popsicle makers or popsicle molds because it is hard to get the pops to release in one piece. Either dilute the yogurt with a little milk until it becomes easy to pour or simply use a plastic cup for your mold when you want to use yogurt.

Fruit juice and tea will freeze very hard unless you dilute with a bit of water or add more sugar before freezing.

Fresh fruits freeze well and taste great. Puree the fruit and add a little agave nectar, simple syrup, or honey to sweeten. Artificial sweeteners don't freeze well for some reason. I like to use infused simple syrup- like mint or vanilla to make the fruits really exotic and full of flavor.

If you want to add soda to your pops, it's better to let them go flat first or you'll have lots of bubbles in the texture and they'll propably overflow in the freezing process.

Alcohol does not completely freeze. If you want to make adult versions of your pops, you'll need to dilute the liquor with some fruit juice or water. I recommend making the pops with very light liquor then serving the pops in a pretty glass with a shot of the chilled libation. Wait 'til you try it! Summer love!

POPSICLE MAKING OPTIONS

HI-TECH POPS WITH THE ZOKU

Go hi-tech with this fantastic Zoku Ice Pop Maker... keep it in your freezer and make your pops in as little as 7 minutes. You can swirl colors, make layers, and do it all super fast. I made these Bomb Pops using red, white, and blue Gatorade which is a great idea for after sports or even working in the yard. It's even a great idea for those times when someone is sick and needs hydration. The pops make it easier to get fluid in them. Check out the wonderful colors, flavors, and recipes on the Zoku blog. I have made their Pineapple Coconut recipe- turned out great. I really am in love with this new toy! You can find these and all of the accessories for them online, Williams-Sonoma and independent cook stores for about $50.

LOW-TECH POPS

A tried and true way to make popsicles is to use a mold. We had them when I was a kid...sometimes we'd pour kool-aid into ice trays and freeze them for a cold treat in the Alabama heat. I really like this Nor-Pro mold. You can make ten pops at one time; all the same or mix and match flavors and colors. I really like the fresh fruit juice pops with a bit of the fruit pieces in it. They are so delicious and a healthy, low calorie treat. You can find these in stores where they have cooking and baking supplies. About $16 on Amazon.com

NO-TECH POPS

Now, this is probably the easiest way to throw some ice pops in the fridge. Fill small plastic or paper cups 2/3 full and freeze! You do have to wait about 30 mintues for them to set up a bit before you put the popsicle sticks in them. And it is best to put them on a tray or cake pan to keep them from turning over. To get the pops to release, just run them under warm water for a couple of seconds.   

MY FAVORITE ICE POP RECIPES

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE POPS

15 more homemade popsicle recipes

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POPSICLES & PROSECCO

16 Homemade Popsicle Recipes

Popsicles and summer just go together, don't they? One of my favorite childhood memories is racing to the house for some money the minute I heard the popsicle man's music playing and then racing to be first in line! You'd have such a big decision to make: Dreamsicle? Bomb Pop? Watersicle? Or maybe a fudgesicle? Today, you can make those and many other favorite flavors... even exotic flavors that you can freeze into ice pops! These are some of my favorites that you can make using any device you have for freezing. Even a plastic cup will do the trick! Happy Summer!

Before you get started, read my hi-tech, low tech, and no tech ideas and techniques to make your popsicles better!

WATERMELON LIME POPS

3 cups cubed seeded watermelon
5 tbsp agave nectar
4 tbsp fresh lime juice

Use a blender or immersion blender to puree watermelon. Pass through a strainer to remove any remaining seeds or pulp. Add the agave nectar and the lime juice. Stir together. Pour into molds and freeze according to directions. If you are using cups, allow the mixture to set up for 30 minutes, then add the popsicle sticks. Freeze at least 6 hours. Run under warm water for a few seconds to release the pop from the cup or mold.

Strawberry and Pina Colada PopsBERRY STRAWBERRY POPS

4 cups fresh strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and sliced

1/4 cup agave nectar (or sub 1/3 cup sugar, which you have to stir to dissolve)

1 tbsp lemon juice

Use a blender or immersion blender to puree strawberries until smooth. Strain to remove any pulp or seeds. Add the agave nectar and lemon juice to the purée; stir well to combine. Pour into molds or cups. If you are using cups, allow the puree to set up for 30 minutes and then add the popsicle sticks. Freeze for at least 6 hours or until firm. Run under warm water for a few seconds to release the pop from the cup or mold.

PINA COLADA POPS

1 cup milk

1/2 cup fresh or canned pineapple

1/4 cup agave nectar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon coconut extract

In a blender or using a immersion blender, whir together all the ingredients. Pour into molds and freeze according to directions. If you are using cups, allow the mixture to set up for 30 minutes, then add the popsicle sticks. Freeze at least 6 hours. Run under warm water for a few seconds to release the pop from the cup or mold.

WATERMELON VODKA POPS

4 cups cubed seeded watermelon
5 tbsp. agave nectar
1/4 cup watermelon flavored vodka

Use a blender or immersion blender to puree watermelon. Pass through a strainer to remove any remaining seeds or pulp. Add the agave nectar and the vodka. Stir together. Pour into molds and freeze according to directions. If you are using cups, allow the mixture to set up for 30 minutes, then add the popsicle sticks. Freeze at least 8 hours. Run under warm water for a few seconds to release the pop from the cup or mold.

FROSTY GINGER PEACH

3 medium peaches, peeled and sliced

1/2 cup peach nectar (canned; find in the International aisle of the store)

3 T. plain yogurt

2 t. crystallized ginger, grated

1 1/2 t. agave nectar

1 t. fresh lime juice

Puree everything in a food processor, blender, or immersion blender until smooth.  Pour into molds and freeze according to directions. If you are using cups, allow the mixture to set up for 30 minutes, then add the popsicle sticks. Freeze at least 8 hours. Run under warm water for a few seconds to release the pop from the cup or mold.

BELLINI POPS

Same as above but delete the yogurt, agave, and the ginger. Add 1 1/2 cups Prosecco and increase the peach nectar to 1 1/2 cups.

Bomb Pops made with the Zoku Quick Pop MakerRED, WHITE & BLUE ICE POPS (looks like a Bomb Pop)

Use red, white and blue Kool-Aid or Gatorade to make these. I usually prefer lemonade for the white layer.

Fill the cups or molds 1/3 full with the red layer first. Allow to set for 30 mintues (to instructions if you are using a Zoku Quick Pop Maker) Add the white layer by gently pouring over the top of the red layer. Allow to set another 30 minutes and repeat with the blue layer. Add the popsicle stick and freeze for 6 hours or overnight.

VANILLA BEAN LEMON POPS

2 cups fresh lemon juice

1/2 to 1 cup vanilla bean infused simple syrup* (taste it- sweeten it to your taste!)

3 cups ice

Whir all ingredients together in a blender until smooth. Pour into molds and freeze according to directions. If you are using cups, allow the mixture to set up for 30 minutes, then add the popsicle sticks. Freeze at least 8 hours. Run under warm water for a few seconds to release the pop from the cup or mold.

MINTY MOJITO POPS

2 cups fresh lime juice

1/2 cup mint infused simple syrup

3 cups ice

Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Whir all ingredients except the mint leaves together in a blender until smooth. Pour into molds, add the mint leaves to the wall of the mold and freeze according to directions. If you are using cups, allow the mixture to set up for 30 minutes, then add the popsicle sticks. Freeze at least 8 hours. Run under warm water for a few seconds to release the pop from the cup or mold.

* To make the infused simple syrup: Bring one cup sugar and one cup water to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Once it comes to a boil, turn off the heat. Add the mint OR the seeds from one vanilla bean pod (slice down the middle, not cutting all the way through and use the tip of your knife to remove the seeds) along with the pod to the hot liquid. Allow to cool completely then strain the mixture and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before using.

MOCHA-LICIOUS POPS

 1 1/3 cups milk (use 2% if you have it)

1/4 cup sugar

1 T. instant coffee or espresso powder

1/3 cup heavy cream

In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over low heat and whisk in the coffee and sugar. Let cool slightly and add the heavy cream. Chill for at least an hour; stir occasionally or cover the top with plastic to keep a skin from forming on the top. When you are ready to make the pops, just pour into plastic cups or popsicle mold and freeze according to package directions. Freeze at least 8 hours. To remove, run the mold or cup under warm water for a moment.

Fidgey Choco Pops- delicious!FUDGEY CHOCO POPS

1 cup water

2.5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped ( you can sub cocoa- just add 1 tablespoon butter if you do)

1/3 cup sugar

pinch salt

1/3 cup milk (use whole or 2%)

1 T. heavy cream (or you can use half and half)

1/2 t. vanilla

1/8 t. instant coffee (or you can use leftover strong coffee)

Put the chopped chocolate, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the water, a little at a time as the chocolate melts and the sugar dissolves. Once the chocolate has completely melted, remove from heat. Whisk in the coffee, vanilla, milk, and cream. Chill and cool completely.

When you are ready to make the pops, just pour the mixture into plastic cups or popsicle mold and freeze according to package directions. If you are using plastic cups, allow the pops to set up for 30 minutes and then insert the popsicle sticks. To remove, run the mold or cup under warm water for a moment.

S'mores PopsS'MORES POPS

Fudgey-Choco Pops recipe above*

20 mini-marshmallows

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Small plastic or paper cups

Popsicle sticks

In the bottom of a plastic cup, put a small amount of the graham cracker crumbs, about 1 teaspoon for each cup. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of the chocolate mixture and 4 marshmallows, top with another  teaspoon of the chocolate and use a spoon to press the chocolate into the marshmallows. Tap the cup on the counter to make a dense layer. Continue layers as necessary to fill the cup, leaving 1/4" at the top. Allow to set up for at least 30 minutes and add a popsicle stick to each cup. Allow to freeze for at least 4 hours.

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE POPS

2 1/2 cups Vanilla Greek Yogurt

1/2 cup cookie, biscuit, or shortcake crumbs (I used Nilla wafers)

1 1/2 cups strawberry puree* from fresh strawberries

Strawberry Shortcake PopsSmall plastic or paper cups

Popsicle sticks

Make crumbs with the Nilla wafers for quick shortcut- just put the cookies or biscuits in a plastic bag and roll a rolling pin over them to make the crumbs.

Wash half the strawberries. Eat one to see how sweet they are. If they are really sweet, you will not need any sweetener. If they are not, add a small amount of sugar or agave nectar to sweeten them slightly. Use a blender, food processor or an immersion blender to whir the strawberries into a thick puree. I like pieces of the fruit in mine so don't blend it too smooth.

Put the yogurt in a bowl and mix in the crumbs.

Create the first layer of the pops by spooning the yogurt mixture into the bottom of the plastic cups. Tap the cup to release any air bubbles. Place on a cookie sheet and put them into the freezer for 30 minutes to set the first layer.

Add the strawberry puree to create the second layer. Put back into the freezer for 30 minutes.

Add another layer of the yogurt to create the final layer. Place a popsicle stick in the center of each cup.

Freeze for at least 5 hours or overnight if you want them really frozen before serving.

Go to MyRecipes.com for more homemade popsicle recipesAND FROM OUR FRIENDS AT MYRECIPES.COM, TRY THESE HOMEMADE POPSICLE RECIPES!

TRIPLE DECKER CITRUS POPSICLES                         TRIPLE BERRY POPSICLES

LEMON-BLUEBERRY TWIST POPS                              MANDARIN ORANGE CREAM POPS

STRAWBERRY CREAM FRUIT POPS                            MANGO-TANGO POPS

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Win a Summer Entertaining Package Worth $500!

Our new friends at Plastic Make it Possible, the website geared to innovations in plastic (which I love because I use plastic a lot) want to give you some freebies for your summer parties!

I love plastic because I can reuse it over and over again, it is lightweight, doesn't easily break, and it is usually inexpensive, too. That is a win-win-win as far as I am concerned. From picnics in the park using resealable plastic containers and Zip-loc bags to using plastic glasses and servingware at outdoor parties (especially around the pool) to prevent accidents, plastic glassware today is not only functional, it is attractive, stylish, and affordable. AND you can reuse it like I do... over and over again. Just toss it in the dishwasher and you are good to go for the next one! I even wrap mine in plastic wrap to keep it clean for the next use... a caterer's trick.

Entertaining with plastic is not just functional, it's attractive, too. Even the table and chairs are plastic.

If you like plastic for entertaining and parties, you'll want to enter their contest for a chance to win an awesome assortment of plastic, perfect for your outdoor lifestyle. The prize package includes an electronic frozen drink maker, assorted plastic food prep tools, an elegant plastic drink dispenser, reusable plastic tableware and a foldable recycling bin. Beautiful melamine dinnerware from Pottery Barn is pretty and practical!   

ENTER THE CONTEST FOR THIS PRIZE PACKAGE WORTH $500 TODAY... THE CONTEST ENDS JULY 8, 2011.

Plastics Make it Possible hosted my trip to the Food & Wine Classic 2011 in Aspen so I could see the many new innovations and uses for plastic for parties and entertaining! See our other blog posts on entertaining solutions using plastic:

Serving Solutions Using Plastic

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Weekend Cocktail: Summer Bourbon Slushy

While at the Aspen Food & Wine Classic, the girls from the Atlanta Food & Wine Festivalwere serving some deliciously refreshing adult beverages to the crowd. Everyone kept telling me I just had to try them and boy were they good...frozen bourbon slushies! I thought there must be some big secret recipe to making them... but as it turns out, not so much. They are super simple and go down sooooo smooth! Whir up a batch for your BBQ this weekend!

SUMMER BOURBON SLUSHY

Makes 8-10 depending on serving size

6 cans or bottles Coca-Cola

8 ounces bourbon (I liked the Woodford Reserve they used so I used that but use your favorite)

Ice

Straws

Put the ice and bourbon in a blender or other device to crush the ice. Pulse to break up the ice, then once you have, let it run while you pour in each Coke. Let blend until smooth and frosty. Serve!

Note: If you have a frozen drink maker, break that out! It will work. I also had the big idea to use my ice cream maker! Now, the ice cream maker won't make more than 3 but it works for a small crowd. If you don't have any of these small appliances, you can put the Coca-Cola and the bourbon in a large plastic jug with a lid and put it in your freezer. (reuse a plastic milk jug or juice container) Let it freeze for a couple of hours, shaking occasionally. Don't let it freeze solid- you want it to be slushy so you can drink with a straw. Another delicious rendition is Root Beer! Just use root beer and some root beer flavored vodka. So good on a hot day! Enjoy!